1970 Nova LT1 / 4L60E swap

[JCzNova]

So it is time for one of those heart/lung/liver transplants...

Donor = 1995 Buick Roadmaster with 175k on it. Runs and shifts good.

Hoping to salvage the following also:
-radiator and fans
-power steering setup
-trans cooler
-fuel tank and pump setup
-OBD plug

[JCzNova]

Other than some frustration finding all the wiring harness, the removal went pretty smooth over a few days after work.

The harness and computer went off to Certified Performance in Missouri to lighten the load, and take the "grandma's grocery getter" out of the ECM.

Engine and trans out in one shot, barely.



There is the Nova in the back, and the FOR SALE sign is attached to the house not the car.



Fuel tank dropped easy since the car was on E. Not sure it is gonna work since it is 2" longer front to back (can work around) but would hang almost 3" lower with no modification.




Now it is degreasing time and waiting on parts. Exhaust is on the way, and I will hit the local parts store for a power steering gearbox.

More to come...

[79LT1Monte]

Looks like you got a great start on it whle we had this nice weather to work with. We went through the harness and removed everything you didn't need and labled what you will need so the instal should be pretty smooth and clean looking when done. You can loom it all up once you get everything running and checked out. I forgot to grab the camera before I left the shop but we did take a few pics of what we removed and how it looks now. I will post them up on Monday.

[lt1nova]

Good luck with the swap. I used an fittings and hose on my ps setup, Pure Choice I believe. I also used a Z box from the mid 80's for a faster ratio and it required metric fittings.

[JCzNova]

Looks like you got a great start on it whle we had this nice weather to work with. We went through the harness and removed everything you didn't need and labled what you will need so the instal should be pretty smooth and clean looking when done. You can loom it all up once you get everything running and checked out. I forgot to grab the camera before I left the shop but we did take a few pics of what we removed and how it looks now. I will post them up on Monday.

Those pics will be a help to the thread I think. I sure didnt want to be the guy trying from scratch in the driveway trimming the fat. Then having to put it all the way in the car before I could find out if it was a lucky first shot or not. I appreciate the work on that and the ECM. Headers, x-pipe, mufflers, hardware and pan gaskets will be here Tuesday.

Gonna work over those motor mounts tomorrow and get that straight from the start. Trying to decide now on ordering the street rubber, or dropping the extra $100 now to get the drag radials... 30 miles a day round trip commute, or have to buy, mount again in 6 months.

We will see how fast it comes together with ordering parts and having to move too.

[JCzNova]

Good luck with the swap. I used an fittings and hose on my ps setup, Pure Choice I believe. I also used a Z box from the mid 80's for a faster ratio and it required metric fittings.

I am definitely ready to add the power steering. It's not worth 3 hp to me to not have it, just speaking from driving manual with the 6-banger in it for a few months now.

[F.G.]

Cool project

[JCzNova]

Hoping to pull the 6-banger next week. This weekend is moving time, and awaiting parts:
-power steering gearbox
-Long tube headers
-xpipe
-mufflers
-Engine and trans gaskets
-new plugs

Anybody know if the mount is the same on the 4L60E and the 700R ? Found a good mount but it is listed for the 700.

[JCzNova]

Just a few pics of the wiring harness...
1) Immediately after removal from stock donor car.


2) The fat that was trimmed and the old crusty loom pile.


3) Leaner and meaner "Biggest Loser" edition of the harness needed.

[lt1nova]

4L60 is an electronic version of the 700r4 so the trans mount will work fine.